final feb cover - Indian Airforce

When questioned as to when had the leak started,
he replied that it had been there for a long time and
since there was only one refueling cart in the unit,
it could not be repaired
This incident happened in a RPA Sqn. The RPA
refueling is done with the help of a wheel
based refueling cart that is towed by the MM
Jeep. It is a gravity based refueling equipment
which has a long hose pipe. One day while strolling
on a routine walk around the Sqn Hangar, I noticed
a Heron RPA being refueled by the tradesmen on
duty. The senior most technical tradesman present
there was a Sgt with 18 years of service with a team
of two LACs with limited experience on the RPAs. It
was noticed by me that the fuel was leaking from
the metal joint of the refueling hose and there
was a pool of fuel on the ground. It was evident
that the tradesmen were aware of the leaking hose,
but continued with their refueling activity. On
questioning the Sgt as to why he was continuing
in-spite of fuel leakage, he replied that such
leakage is normal and that there was no problem
in continuing with the refueling activity. Once the
refueling was completed the safaiwala would come
and mop up the fuel on ground. When questioned
as to when had the leak started, he replied that it
had been there for a long time and since there was
only one refueling cart in the unit, it could not be
repaired. The refueling activity was stopped by me
and it was directed that the refueling be done only
if the hose was repaired even at the cost of stopping
flying. The hose was repaired locally by changing
the rubber seal in about an hour.
It is evident that the refueling activity with
the leaking hose continued due to the ‘Chalta Hal’
attitude. Even the senior supervisors continued
with the practice. Analysis of the event brought out
following aspects:
The senior Sgt had in the past probably
seen refueling activity being undertaken with a
leaking hose while working on other ac and felt
that it was safe. Having such activities/shortcuts
being adopted as he grew up in service, as a
senior supervisor he permitted similar activity. It
was indirectly being conveyed to those young
tradesmen who would continue in service for
another 15-20 years, that such wrong practices/
shortcuts are acceptable.
There needs to be proper supervision of
all activities, and no shortcuts should be adopted
which could lead to the juniors observing and
learning from each one of us.
In this case the Sgt cannot be blamed
because he grew up in the system fraught with
such examples. I am sure there is no aviator who
has not come across a scenario wherein the aircraft
were refueled with leaking hoses. Those from
the MiG-21 fleet are aware of instances wherein
the engine tradesman sits on the fuselage and
refuels with fuel dripping from the sides a practice
accepted as normal procedure.
All of us agree that a right man for the right
job is very important. But, it works only when the
right man gets the right training at the right time.
Correct lessons should be imparted at all times
and incorrect practices nipped at the budding
level for a safe and bright aerospace power.
It is very true that, “What mind does not
know eyes cannot see” -Therefore, be aware and
be conscious of Safety. ‘It is not my job’ and ‘chalta
hai’ attitude are sure precursors to an accident/
incident.
-Gp Capt VVN Srikanth
INDIAN AIR FORCE 2 0 1 2 F e b r u a r y Aerospace Safety 3